Loose-leaf binder



Aug. 19, 1952 w, MCKQWEN 2,607,350

LOOSE-LEAF BINDER Filed Aug. 14, 1950 Inventor William mcKou/en Patented Aug. 19, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I I 2,607,350 I I v t LOOSE LEAF BINDER William McKowen, Des Moines, Iowa Application August 14, 195i), Serial No. 179,177

The present invention relates to improvements in loose leaf binders of the ring type, adapted for accommodating therein a quantity of apertured filler sheets.

It has long beenknown that binders of the type above referred to have always presented the problem of, jamming, catching, binding, tearing and damage to the filler sheets as a result of the binder being moved from an open to a 'closed position. Binders of this general type include a series of spaced apart rings which are substantially circular in formation, with the exception of the portion secured to a backing plate. Due to the contour of such rings, the matter of movement of the filler sheets in the process of closing the binder is subjected to two main actions. The top cover element or back cover element, in the process of being moved from an open to a closed position, results in lifting the filler sheets which are resting upon such element, and moving the outer portions thereof in an upward direction toward the other cover element, while at the same time the inner marginal edges of those 'filler sheets, by reason of their location generally on the lower half portion of the rings, at a position closely adjacent the back plate assembly that supports the rings, tend to move downwardlyon such'lower portions of the rings. Such movement in the opposite direction results in the edges of the apertures of the filler sheets catching or binding on the rings, and sometimes cause damage or tearing of the sheets adjacent the apertures. Furthermore, such binding action is frequently transmitted to the back or cover elements of the binder and causes damage thereto." There have been numerous attempts to provide a solution to this problem; practically all of which are either impractical structurally or are impractical as a result of the extremely high added cost'in production. The only commercially available binder known, which embodies a construction directed to the solution of this problem is one employing what is sometimes referred to as booster sheet or lifter, formed of relatively heavy, rigid stock, and which in turn is connected by hinge elementsto the backing plate. Such a construction, in addition to being relatively expensive to embody in a ring binder, also is bulky and awkward and presents a somewhat unsightly appearance. I I

One of the objects of this invention is to pro- 'vide in a loose leaf binder of the character indicated, an extremely simple and effectiveconstruction which insures against jamming, bind-. ing, tearing. or damage to.the filler sheets, an

s'olaims. 01. 129-1) which eliminates stress and strain in the cover or back elements of the'binder incidentto closing of the binder.

Another object isto provide an improved loose leaf binder of the character indicated, characterized by the provision of a filler block' in the nature of anabutment, to provide support'for the of aring type'loose leaf inner marginal edges of the filler sheets, and which, incident to closing of the binder, positively and gently forces the filler sheets to travel upwardly toward the free, top portion of the, rings.

A further object is to provide an improved loose 'leaf'bin'der of the character indicated, Whichpermits the use of extremely light weight filler stock, and which insures against tearing or damage to the filler stock and eliminates all binding action incident to closing of the binder. i Still another object is to provide a novel loose leaf binder construction or the character indicated, which possesses the foregoing advantages and 'which'is capable of being producedat extremely low cost. i Other objects and advantages of" this invention will'be apparent from the following description, taken inconnection withthe accompanying drawing in which: I v

Figure 1 is'a perspective view, in open position, binder embodying-the present invention; g 3 '4 Figure 2is a perspective view of the filler block element embodying one form ofthe present? invention; 1 I

Figure 3 is a'fragmentary plan View of aflat, rectangular sheet of stock from which the filler block element is formed; f w

Figure 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary,=transverse, sectional view through the binder, taken substantially as indicated at line 4+4 on Figure 1, showing a quantity of filler sheets supported on the cover elementsof the back, and with their inner edges supported in proper position on'the filler block; l I 4 Figure 5 is a sectional view, similar to Figure 4, showing the'binder with the filler sheets therein, in process of closing of the binder; and

Figure dis afragmentary sectional view, taken at the same plane as Figure 4, showing therbinder in closed position. I i In the drawings, I have shown a more or less conventional type of ring binder to which the present invention is applied. The binder includes a conventional back indicated generally at l0,

- including front cover I l and back cover I2 interconnected hingedly, in a conventional manner, with a central back member l4. Secured centrally of the central back member I4, as by rivets i5, is a conventional metallic back plate assembly, provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart, split ring retainers I! of conventional form. Said rings are connected to the back or shield plate assembly I6 in a usual manner so as to permit separation and closing of the two halves of the rings for insertion or removal of a-r uarititt' of filler sheet stock, as in- .filler block as represented in the drawing is rmed'trom a flat, re an u ar s e t oimaterial, as seen in Figure 3, which may be either paper, metal, plastic, or suitable material, and is preferablyflof a length substantially equal tothe length of the filler sheets 18. The filler block sheetis formed at its two opposite longitudinal edges with a series -of aligned, elongated aperturesYZ I. The sheet then rolled to form a split .tube, of substantiallyoylindrical cross section, as

seen in Figure 2 of thedrawing. The formed fi r :block member is th n p a ed in the binder, pri to the ntr duction of filler st k, with the .anertureszl fitted er the eSP tive, section o th split r t ing ring '11 w th the l n itudinal edges or the tubular filler blockinserted beneath he back plate assem ly as een i Fi re 4 :and of e drawingso that sa d ed es h o substantially abut'agains r he,rivet 45. .Due to the-dim ns ns n orm of theack or shield .plate assembly, said tubular filler block caused to assume an oval shaped contour in cross .section, :asseen'in Figures 4 and 5 of the drawing.

In rorder 'to insure obtaining proper. cross sectional formation of the filler blockiin operative position, it is to be understood thatthe elongated apertures. 21 of thefil-ler block are of suehsize and-ate so'located that when the .filler block is in position in the binder, the edeesof theaper- :tures -.a1:e..free from contact with the retaining rin spof .the binder.

The filler block preferably is so dimensioned that when mounted in position in the binder, it eflectively blocks ofi at least the lower third of the normal circumferential extent of the retain ing rings, since such rings are generally formed substantially circularin contou'r, with the exception of the portion for attachment to the back platepassembly. It is to be understood that the portion blocked oil by the filler block, as indicatedrbetween the points represented at AandB, in Figures 4 and 5 of the drawing, is at least 120 arcuate extent, as measured about the axis defining the curvature of the ring. Thus, the upper remaining usable portion of the ring should be no greater than 240 arcu'ate-extent.

It has been found, as a result of extensive research, that by blocking off at least the lower third portion of the retaining rings, as defined by the area between the points designated at A and -B,' itwill at all times insure free movement of the filler sheets incident to closing of the binder, without possibility of jammin binding,

sures elimination of possible binding action which usually results in damaging or deformation of the back ID of the binder.

As may be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the dimensional relationship of the filler block of oval cross section, is such that the arcuate end portions, located on the major axis of the oval, project laterally a substantial distance beyond the mar-' ginal edges of the back plate assembly. It will be further noted that the up er-,arcuate portion of the filler block extends a substantial distance upwardly within the retaining rings, and passes through a plane adjacent the axis of the rings. By virtue of this arrangement, the binder, when in openposition, causes the inner marginal edges of the filler sheets to be properly supported on the upwardly curved top surface of the filler block. Thus, as the cover elements are moved One toward another, in process of closing the binder, the filler sheets are imparted a total bodily movement in the general direction of the upper portion of the rings [1, and which elimihates any possibility of the inner marginal edges of the filler sheets moving downwardly toward the lower third portion of the ring. As above pointed out, if the filler sheets move "into the lower one-third portion. of therings, it would normally'result in a crampingand binding action, frequently resulting in tearing and damaging of the fillersheetsand possible deformation or damage to the back of the binders By virtue of the present invention, it .is, now, ;ior the first time, possible to employ extremely light weight filler and stock in ,a'looseileaf binder ofthe ring type, withoutthe possibility of tearing ordamaging thesamein normal use ofthebinder.

While not absolutely necessary, I prefer that the ,filler block be formed of sheet material nossessing resilient characteristics so as to permit a limitedamount of flexing ofthe body of thefillr block by pressure which maybe exerted by, the inner marginal edges of the filler sheets in the processof closing the binder. I have ,found. that relatively thin sheets of acetate are 'highlysatisfactoryfor the purpose, particularly in that itis possible to convenientlyroll ,or form such sheet stock, and, by subjection to heat, impart thereto the desired contour, in substantially cylindrical form, which form ittends to retain indefinitely in'th normal use ina loose leaf binder.

When. the term cylindrical form is usedhereinand in theclaims, the-broadest possible meaning intended, and it is intended to include all pertinent meanings set forth in Websters 1111- abridged dictionary under the term cylinder, including: The surface traced by any straight line, called generatrix or element, moving parallel to a fixed straight line. In the instance herein, the fixed straight line is the longitudinal axis of the filler block. In examining Figure -5, it will beevident that the filler-sheets do not-engage a portion of the .filler block located between the points-of intersection of the filler block and theprojection of thering circles. Therefora that portion of the fillerblock member need not .be of the particular shape as shown, but should be cylindrical within the meaning .of the termexpressed above. It is, of course, intended that'the filler block will always have bilateral symmetry about the vertical plane through its longitudin axis as seen in Figures 4 and 5. I

Although .I have herein disclosed means, for blocking off and precluding movement of the fillersheets into the lower third portionof the retaining rings, in the form of atubularelement, referred to as a filler block, it will be manifest zgeovsw carrying outthe present invention. For example,

separate clip members may be made of metal,

plastic, paper, or other 'material, shaped or molded to a desired contour, and inserted between adjacent rings of the binder, and" affixed to or inserted beneath the metal back plate assembly. As an alternative arrangement, a suitable member may be formed of proper contour and positioned essentially within the rings and'aflixed to or inserted beneath the back plate assembly so as to provide a proper supporting surface for the inner marginal edges of the filler sheets in a manner similar to that herein disclosed. I

Although I have herein shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, manifestly it is capable of modification and rearrangement of elements or components without depart- .ing from the spirit and scope thereof. I do. not,

therefore, wish to be understood as limitingthis invention to the precise embodiment as herein disclosed, except as I may be so. limited by the appended claims. i

a I claimas my inventioniv l. A loose leaf binder comprising a pair of cover members hinged to a back member and adapted to be swung to open and closed positions, a plurality of spaced apart substantially'circular retaining rings adapted to receive filler sheets provided with apertures at their inner marginal edges for fitting over said rings, said retaining rings being split and. portions thereof being swingable toward and away from each other to close or open the rings, a shield plate mounted on and spaced away from said back member to provide a substantially enclosed chamber for positioning therein a ring operating mechanism for supporting said rings and for opening and closing the rings, said shield plate having apertures through which the rings extend with more than two-thirds of the arc of the circle of each ring exposed, a filler block member, separate and apart from said shield plate, of elongated cylindrical form, said filler block member having its longitudinal edges positioned between said shield plate and said back member and extending from adjacent said shield plate to intersect the axial projection of said rings at two points so as to block off at least one-third of the arc of the ring circles with said shield plate positioned symmetrically within said blocked-off one-third, and said filler block member having series of apertures each of a dimension, in a direction normal to the length of the filler block member, much greater than the thickness of a ring, for fitting over said rings and accommodating opening and closing 7 movement of said rings.

2. A loose leaf binder comprising a pair of cover members hinged to a back member and adapted to be swung to open and closed positions, a plurality of spaced apart substantially circular retaining rings adapted to receive filler sheets provided with apertures at their inner marginal edges for fitting over said rings, said retaining rings being split and portions thereof being swingable toward and away from each other to close or open the rings, a shield plate mounted on and spaced away from said back member to provide a substantially enclosed chamber for positioning therein a ring operating mechanism for supporting said rings and for opening and closing the rings, said shield plate havingapertures through which the rings "33A loose leaf binder comprising a extend with mere than "two-thirds or the arc offthe circle of each ring exposed, a fillerblock member, separate and apart from said shield plate, of elongated cylindrical form, saidfiller block member having its longitudinal edges positioned between said' shield plate and said back member and extending from adjacent said shield plate tointersect the axial projection of said rings attwo points so as to block off atleast one-third of the arc of the ring circles with said shield plate positioned symmetrically -within said blocked-01f one-third, said filler block memb'er-having series of apertures each of a dimensioh, in a direction normal to the length of a filler block member, much greater than the thickness of'a ring,'for fitting over said rings and accommodating opening and closing movement of said rings, and-the maximum dimension of said filler block member transverse to its length being less'thanthe diameter of" said retaining rings, whereby there is no'interference between the filler block member and said 'cover members -'when the cover members are in closed position."

pair of cover members hinged to a back member and adapted to be swungto open and closed positions, a plurality of spaced apart substantially circular retaining rings adapted to receive filler sheets provided with apertures at their inner marginal edges for fitting over said rings, said retaining rings being split and portions thereof being swingable toward and away from each other to close or open the rings, a shield plate mounted on and spaced away from said back member to provide a substantially enclosed chamber for positioning therein a ring operating mechanism for supporting said rings and for opening and closing the rings, said shield plate having apertures through which the rings extend with more than two-thirds of the arc of the circle of each ring exposed, a filler block member, separate and apart from said shield plate, of elongated cylindrical form, said filler block member having its longitudinal edges positioned between saidshield plate and said back member and extending from adjacent said shield plate to intersect the axial projection of said rings at two points so as to block off at least one-third of the arc of the ring circles with said shield plate positioned symmetrically within said blocked-off one-third, said filler block member having series of apertures each of a dimension, in a direction normal to the length of the filler block member, much greater than the thickness of a ring, for fitting over said rings and accommodating opening and closing movement of said rings, said filler block member being formed of thin resilient material, and said longitudinal edges of the filler block member being resiliently biased toward each other.

4. In a loose leaf binder of the class wherein a pair of cover members arehinged to a back member having mounted thereon a plurality of spaced apart substantially circular retaining rings and a shield plate spaced from said back member and having apertures through which said rings extend with more than two-thirds of the arc of the circle of each ring exposed, the combination with said loose leaf binder of a filler block member, separate and apart from said shield plate, of elongated cylindrical form having its longitudinal edges adapted to be positioned between said shield plate and said back member and adapted to extend from adjacent saidishield late to intersect the axial projec tionof said rings at two points so as'to block off at ;least one-third of the arc of the ring circles with said shield plate positioned symmetrically within said blocked-off one-third, said filler block member having series of apertures .each of a "dimension, in a direction normal to the length of the filler block member, much greater than the thickness of :a ring. adapted -for fitting over said rings and accommodating open,- ingand closing movement of said rings.

:5. .-In a loose leaf binder of the class wherein a pair of cover members are hinged to aback member having mounted thereon a plurality of spaced apart substantially circular retaining rings and a-shield plate spaced from said back member and having apertures through which saidrings extend with more than "two-thirds of the arc of the circle of each ring exposed, the combination with said loose leaf binder of a filler block member, separate and apart from said shield plate, of elongated cylindrical form havingits longitudinal edges adapted to be positioned between said shield plate and said back member and adapted to extend from adjacent said shield plate to intersect the axial projection of said rings at two points so as to block off .at.1east one-third of the arc of vthe ring circles said rings and accommodating opening and closing movement of said rings, said filler block member being formed of thin resilient material.

and said longitudinal edges of thefiller block member being resiliently biased toward each other.

' MGKOWEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,290,907 Cardy o Jan. 14, 1919 1,438,061 Selianoff Dec. 5, 1922 "1,985,364 Dawson Dec. 25, 1934 2,266,472 Osborn Dec. 16, 1941 2,324,460 Trussell July 13, 1943 2,505,694 Stuercke Apr. 25, 1950 

